gestatten
Translation
to permit, to allow, to grant
Examples
Gestatten Sie mir eine Frage?
Will you permit me a question?
Das Rauchen ist hier nicht gestattet.
Smoking is not permitted here.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.dat)) ((sth.acc)) to permit sb. sth. The teacher permitted the student a break.
((sich.dat)) ((sth.acc)) to allow oneself sth. He allowed himself a piece of cake.
Similar Words
Synonyms: erlauben, genehmigen; Antonyms: verbieten, untersagen
Etymology
From the prefix ge- and 'statten', related to 'Statt' (place). It originally meant 'to grant a place'.
Memory Tips
A very formal version of 'erlauben'. Think of 'guest' and 'state' - you permit a guest to enter your state. Often used in the phrase 'Gestatten Sie?' (May I?).